The holidays are the perfect time to escape to a cozy timeshare for a festive getaway. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures in a snowy wonderland or festive indoor activities to get into the holiday spirit, there’s something magical about spending the season in a new destination. Here’s a guide to the best winter and holiday-themed activities near popular timeshare locations.

1. Local Holiday Festivals and Events Near Top Resort Areas

Many resort destinations come alive with festive cheer during the holiday season. Here are some must-see events to check out during your winter stay:

  • Christmas Markets: From traditional European-style markets to local artisan festivals, holiday markets are a great place to find unique gifts, enjoy festive treats, and experience local culture. Look for markets in resort towns like Aspen, Colorado, or Lake Tahoe, California, which feature local crafts, holiday music, and warm food stands.
  • Holiday Parades: Get into the spirit with parades showcasing festive floats, holiday-themed music, and marching bands. Cities like New York City with its iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade or Santa Fe, New Mexico with its historic holiday parades are perfect for a festive vibe.
  • Winter Festivals: Many mountain towns celebrate the season with special winter festivals, including live music, ice carving contests, and snow sculpture displays. Resorts like Park City, Utah, and Breckenridge, Colorado, host impressive holiday festivals, perfect for families or couples.

2. Outdoor Activities for the Ultimate Winter Experience

Embrace the crisp winter air with outdoor activities that capture the magic of the season:

  • Skiing and Snowboarding: If your timeshare is near a mountain resort, skiing or snowboarding is the ultimate holiday activity. Popular destinations like Vail, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, offer some of the best slopes and après-ski experiences.
  • Ice Skating: Outdoor rinks, especially those set in scenic, snow-covered landscapes, offer a magical setting for skating. Consider visiting the rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City or the outdoor ice skating rink at Lake Louise, Alberta.
  • Sleigh Rides: For a truly classic winter experience, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy forests or past twinkling holiday lights. Many resorts, including those in Yellowstone National Park and The Catskills, offer memorable sleigh ride experiences that feel straight out of a winter fairy tale.
  • Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing: For a more peaceful, scenic experience, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to explore winter landscapes. Look for trails near timeshare locations in areas like Lake Placid, New York, or Bend, Oregon.

3. Cozy Indoor Activities to Stay Warm and Festive

When the temperatures drop, it’s time to retreat indoors for cozy, heartwarming activities. Here are some ideas to make your indoor holiday experience just as magical:

  • Holiday Movie Nights: Create a cozy movie marathon with classic holiday films. Many resorts offer movie rooms or home theater setups in timeshare units, perfect for snuggling up with blankets, popcorn, and hot cocoa.
  • Hot Cocoa Bars: Set up a DIY hot cocoa bar in your timeshare with an array of toppings—whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks, and flavored syrups—for the perfect winter treat. Some resorts even offer festive cocktail options like spiked hot toddies or mulled wine.
  • Festive Crafts: If you’re staying in with family or friends, why not engage in some holiday crafting? Make ornaments, decorate gingerbread houses, or create personalized gifts as keepsakes for the season.
  • Spa Days: Relax and unwind with a spa day in your timeshare’s resort spa. Many timeshare properties offer on-site wellness and spa services, such as holiday-themed treatments, massages, or hot tubs with stunning mountain views.

4. Explore Local Culinary Delights

Food is an important part of holiday traditions. Whether it’s enjoying a festive feast or sampling local treats, the holiday season is a great time to explore local flavors:

  • Holiday Dining Experiences: Many resort areas offer special holiday dinners, such as Christmas Eve feasts or New Year’s Eve buffets. Look for resorts offering multi-course meals featuring local ingredients and seasonal delicacies.
  • Local Treats: Explore the seasonal treats offered in your destination. Visit nearby bakeries or cafes for a taste of festive pastries, spiced ciders, and regionally inspired sweets. Try the famous sticky buns in Vermont or a hearty soup in Montana on chilly evenings.

Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable at Your Timeshare

Whether you’re heading for a snowy retreat or a festive resort town, your timeshare can be the perfect base to experience the magic of winter. From outdoor adventures to cozy indoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Book your holiday getaway and start making memories that will last a lifetime!